Think about what a summer break means to you, is it a time to relax and wait for opportunities to come your way, or is it a time to take action, find your passion and go out and experience it?
These are questions many interns have asked themselves before you, with the majority arriving at the conclusion that they can’t let this summer internship abroad opportunity pass them by.
If you’re new to the ins and outs of a summer internship abroad, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to inform you on the opportunities that await. If you’re experienced in interning abroad, then feel free to jump to the most relevant section to you:
Contents
- Why take a summer internship abroad
- How you can make it happen
- Where you can go
- What you can do
- Professional development focus
- FAQ
Why take a summer internship abroad?
If you’re a college student, you’re probably already thinking about how you can make this your best summer break yet. The beautiful thing about an internship abroad is that it allows you to make epic travel memories, whilst enhancing your career prospects.
International internships allow you to explore your field of interest and gain real world experience. They can help to define your study and career ambitions, plus enhance your resume. International experience is a key asset in a job market where most employers seek those with global perspective and cultural intelligence. Internships abroad provide an amazing platform to see the world and build new friendships around the globe. What’s not to love?
Interns that have taken summers abroad consistently tell us they have seen the following changes:
- Increased confidence (both personally and professionally)
- Further skills and knowledge in their field of study
- Enhanced global perspective
- Lifelong friendships
- New cultural appreciation
Having the ability to utilize your extended study break to increase your personal experience and boost your career prospects is a match made in heaven. If you still need information on how our internships work, or need a little more convincing why you should intern abroad. Deep dive into those helpful resources!
How you can make it happen
Anything worth doing in life takes time and effort. At first, making plans to intern abroad can come across as daunting, especially if you have never been abroad before. Working with IAHQ’s expert team, you’ll soon realize it isn’t as daunting as you first thought and you are supported throughout the entire process.
So, you might be left asking yourself, what do I need to organize in order to make a summer internship possible? Let’s work through your must do list:
- Set your expectations and budget
Before you pack your bags and order that uber to the airport, you first need to ask yourself what you want from this experience. We recommend talking to friends and family members for ideas and input on what opportunity is right for you; are you solely seeking an internship that progresses your career, or are you seeking an experience that provides hands-on experience and an enriching cultural experience? All things are possible with a summer internship abroad, but setting these expectations early will help you decide on the right opportunity for you.
When it comes to budgeting, IAHQ offers the most affordable internship opportunities on the market, leaving you with those extra dollars you need to enjoy the fine cuisine and attractions of your new temporary home. If you have a set budget, check out our fees page to align yourself with the best destination option. If you’re still not sure what you need to include in your budget, stick with us and we’ll outline all the details you need to consider.
- Select your internship
It sounds straightforward, but this can often be the trickiest part. Luckily, you took our first piece of advice and you know exactly what you’re after. If you still need help matching your skills to the right internship talk with our expert team.
Once you’ve selected your ideal internship field and destination, the decision will help with determining your budgeting and travel planning. There are two aspects to developing a budget that you need to consider - fees that relate to the arrangement of your internship placement and then the budgeting which relates to in-country expenses. Here’s what selecting your internship sets you up for:
Internship placement:
- Support from your IAHQ expert to find you the correct internship based on your skills and experience.
- Convenient access to flexible humanitarian flights booking
- Secure accommodation abroad. Arranged in conjunction with your internship placement
Costs:
- Registration fee (US$299 per internship program)
- Program fee (varies per destination and duration starting from US$545)
- Flights (these vary based on the dates you travel and your chosen destination)
- Insurance (starting from US$70)
- In-country expenses (depending on your destination we recommend a budget of US$100 per week at the minimum). You may budget extra for add ons such as tourism excursions or even language lessons.
As you can see, selecting your internship destination and duration enables you to review your overall costs. The most important thing is, no matter your budget, you will still receive the same tailored support from your IAHQ expert.
- Work with your university
Depending on your motivations and situation for taking an internship abroad, it may be possible to work with IAHQ and your university to receive course credit and even financial support. We’ve collaborated with a number of universities over the years, including San Diego State University, Costal Carolina University, Northeastern University and Southern Utah University, so we are experts in helping students to facilitate course credit and explore funding support which may be available through various academic institutions.
- Preparation is in the eye of the beholder
When it comes to getting abroad, your schedule is important. That’s why we offer flexible start dates and short/long term durations, which enable you to plan your internship during a period which is convenient for you. We recommend that you begin planning in advance for your internship, so that you have ample time to research your internship destination before you get there, book affordable flights, and consider the tourism excursions you might like to schedule during your free time.. If you know you have a lot of fundraising or saving to do, this would also be a lot easier to do with more time up your sleeve.
At the end of the day, we understand everyone’s situation is different. We’ve built a team that accommodates to most preferences in order to make your international internship dreams a reality. If you have an idea, just run it by us and we can chat through some options which may be a fantastic fit for you.
Where you can go
Intern Abroad HQ specializes in affordable summer internship programs in some of the best destinations around the world. Depending on your desired internship field, we offer flexible internship programs in the following destinations:
Summer Internships in Africa 2020
- Internships in Cape Town
- Internships in South Africa - Environmental Programs
- Internships in Tanzania
- Internships in Zanzibar
Summer Internships in Asia 2020
Summer Internships in Europe 2020
- Internships in Czech Republic
- Internships in Greece
- Internships in Ireland
- Internships in Italy
- Internships in Spain
Summer Internships in Central America 2020
Summer Internships in South America 2020
Within each destination you can apply for your chosen field and our internship experts will work with you on your suited placement once your registration fee has been paid.
What you can do
- Animal Care Internships
- Business and Economics Internships
- Education and Childcare Internships
- Engineering and Design Internships
- Environment and Conservation Internships
- Healthcare and Special Needs Internships
- Law and Human Rights Internships
- Marketing and Communications Internships
- South Africa Environmental Internships
- Tourism and Hospitality Internships
If you’re looking for summer internships for college or high school students, we’ve also listed the best field of study that matches the summer internship abroad.
Summer Animal Care Internships Abroad
For the animal lovers amongst us, you will love these internships that are committed to the care and preservation of critters, big and small.
The internship possibilities within this field have a broad scope, so whether you’re wanting something hands on (such as assisting with basic care) or more conservation oriented (such as being available to help in the event any marine species are injured or stranded), we can help point you in the right direction.
If you’re ready to spend your college break with “man’s best friend”, you may find yourself assisting with basic care activities, while also shadowing veterinarian professionals. Animal Care interns may additionally be involved in campaigns which create awareness and solicit fundraising support, to allow the ongoing work of local organizations.
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Peru from US$545
2 or 4 week introductory options:
- Costa Rica
- Peru
Ideal for those studying:
- Biological Science
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine / Nursing
- Environmental Science
Summer Business Internships Abroad
Internships related to business and economics cover a wide range of placement opportunities, which can help you to gain practical skills in your chosen field. If you’re ready to learn what makes business operations tick, your next summer break is the perfect opportunity to build your international network and gain real-world experience.
Our placements in these fields are some of our most flexible with minimum durations beginning at just 2 weeks. Whether you’re passionate about NGO work, startup enterprises, or more large scale ventures, it’s never too late to get your get your foot in the door!
Business and Economics internships include placement opportunities within more specific avenues related to, microfinance, women’s empowerment, journalism, event management, sales and trade, marketing communications, real estate, and more.
Interns are placed within their chosen field according to an analysis of their specific skills and experiences. Business internships promote collaboration, creative thinking and adaptability, as daily activities are often subject to client requests and business priorities that can change depending on the time of year and other seasonal influences of the various industries.
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Cape Town, South Africa from US$920
2 week introductory options:
- Ireland
- South Africa
- Spain
- Zanzibar
Ideal for those studying:
- Business Management / Administration
- Accounting and Finance / Economics
- Commerce
- International Relations
- Communications
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Marketing
- Business Law
- Human Resources
Summer Education Internships Abroad
If you are looking to make a real difference this summer, then consider an Education and Childcare internship. Working to provide basic learning opportunities can be extremely rewarding, while also giving you the opportunity to gain insight into another country’s education system.
Intern Abroad HQ offers a wide range of programs in these fields, from Cape Town to Latin America. These internships are an ideal fit for education and teaching majors looking to build a career at home or abroad.
An example of a day as an Education and Childcare Intern could include being placed at a private school in Valencia, Spain. These schools offer a bilingual curriculum that allows interns who are not yet fluent in Spanish to teach and assist local staff with a wide range of subjects and curriculum.
You may be involved in activities such as one-on-one reading, oral presentations, both individual and group work support. You may also provide classroom assistance on the subjects of cooking, art and sports, while additionally providing extra tutoring to students requiring extra forms of supervision and classroom support.
Available in:
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Italy
- Japan
- Peru
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Spain
- Tanzania
- Zanzibar
Most affordable:
- Peru from US$815
2 week introductory options:
- Costa Rica
- South Africa
- Spain
- Zanzibar
Ideal for those studying:
- Education
- Education Psychology
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Special Education
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Physical Education
Summer Engineering Internships Abroad
As technology evolves, so too do the demands to keep up with industry trends. And what better way to do that than by gaining relevant engineering experience within the field. There has never been a more exciting time to be in the engineering field and engineering internships are in top demand. By gaining valuable experience abroad this summer, you can learn what inspires you most and how to propel your passions into a thriving and prosperous career.
An example of a day as an engineering intern could include working at a digital manufacturing placement. Interns would spend their time in labs that are outfitted with specific software and manufacturing equipment, where concepts are transformed into tangible materials.
Tasks may include elaborating plans, impressions of pieces in 3D, assembly of different components, problem solving, while also maintaining the general cleanliness of the lab itself.
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Bali from US$1288
2 week introductory options:
- Spain
Ideal for those studying:
- Engineering (civil, chemical, computer, industrial, environmental, electrical, mechanical)
- Engineering Management
- Renewable Energy
- Digital Manufacturing
- Information Technology / Computer Science
Summer Environmental Internships Abroad
If spending your summer outdoors and staying active sounds like you, then you should be considering an Environment and Conservation internship. Whether you want relevant fieldwork and survey experience, a chance to utilize GIS technologies for real-world applications, or simply to give back to nature.
Intern Abroad HQ internships will let you get your hands dirty while boosting your practical skills in some of the world’s most beautiful environments. A summer spent exploring diverse ecosystems and learning from professionals in the field sounds like a summer well spent!
“My roles as an Environmental Conservation intern in Costa Rica included learning the biological composition of the reserve, maintaining trails, setting up cameras to monitor the activity/health of wildlife, organizing the videos caught by these cameras, setting up butterfly traps to document species, mounting insects, maintaining hummingbird feeders, taking photographs of flora and fauna, planting trees, and working with a GPS. The most important long-term benefit of my internship, I believe, was the creation of another advocate (me) to promote and create awareness around the ultimate goals of the organization for sustainable eco-tourism and the conservation/protection of species and their natural habitats. During the internship, I gained a better understanding of the problems faced in Costa Rica in terms of environmental policy. I have learned about general disagreements regarding national parks established around volcanoes, and how too much or too little activity may affect eco-tourism. I have also learned about policy/legal predicaments concerning illegal hunting in protected areas, as well as issues concerning climate change.” Nikki Maruya - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Costa Rica).
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Costa Rica from US$908
2 week options:
- Costa Rica
- South Africa
Ideal for those studying:
- Environmental Sciences / Studies
- Environmental Law / Policy
- Environmental Engineering
- Resource Management / Environmental Planning
- Geography
- Sustainability Studies
- Systems Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine
Summer Healthcare Internships Abroad
With so many professions falling under the umbrella of Healthcare and Special Needs, Intern Abroad HQ provides you the flexibility to gain experience within the field that you aspire to be a part of. This summer, take the opportunity to learn how communities around the world provide care and facilitate wellbeing.
Depending on your destination selection, you can expect placements to be within local hospitals and clinics. Accommodation is nearby and you will be travelling around the city like a local in no time.
“Considering my long-term goal is to become a PA, this internship provided me with some entry-level medical experience. Although it was in a different country, it was valuable to see how medicine is practiced differently between two countries (U.S and Peru). Learning how to evaluate patients, do physicals, check ups, vitals, vaccinations and teach patients how to improve their health, I believe is a valuable step forward to my long-term goal. I used my skills that I had learned from back home to help with medical treatments and diagnosis. This knowledge provided me the ability to help the medical staff, however there were many times that I had to learn different ways of how to do things based on the Peruvian medical system. Every time something was performed by the medical staff I carefully observed and sometimes would note that things were done differently in the U.S and they were interested to know how.” Anjeza Hoxhallari - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Cusco, Peru).
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Tanzania from US$610
2 week options:
- Spain
- Tanzania
- Zanzibar
Ideal for those studying:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Podiatry
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Public Health
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Disability Care / Special Needs Care
- Biological / Health Sciences
Summer Law Internships Abroad
If you’ve been studying law or political science and are keen to see how the career comes to life outside of the classroom, then practical experience can help to inform your future career ambitions and refine areas of the field that you’re most passionate about.
With internship opportunities available in specialized areas, such as environmental law and human rights, the experience working among professionals can set yourself (and your resume) apart.
An example of an experience as a Law & Human Rights intern in Cape Town, South Africa, may include engaging in paralegal work, most notably assisting refugees and asylum seekers with their appeal processes (i.e. drafting letters, offering legal advice, assisting in the promotion of human rights etc). Interns may spend time familiarizing themselves with relevant documentation and laws, while gaining greater insight into the problems faced by refugees within the region. Come prepared to embrace a new culture, work within a team, and build connections with local communities. Interns are encouraged to always look to learn more about themselves throughout the internship program.
Available in:
Most affordable:
- South Africa from US$1100
3 week introductory option:
- South Africa
Ideal for those studying:
- Legal Studies
- Political Science
- International Development / Relations
- Philosophy
- Environmental Law / Environmental Management
- Human Rights
Summer Marketing Internships Abroad
Marketing and Communications is a rapidly growing international field, where experience counts! Build your professional portfolio, gain new contacts and friends from around the world, and have fun exploring your creativity.
From graphic designers and photographers, to writers, brand managers and social media whizzes, Marketing and Communications internships offer diverse placement opportunities that are suitable for people with a wide range of talents.
Placements may include startups, NGOs, small and large companies within the private sector, and more. Get a head start on building your competitive edge through a proactive summer internship that will put your imagination and talent into practice.
“I came to intern in Greece to specialize in Photography and to boost my portfolio with wildlife and nature images, but I ended up doing so much more than that. I got to document all the amazing surveys other people were doing which helped me learn more about conservation. I photographed dissections going on in the lab, which has definitely been a new experience for me. I edited a video for the conservation institute and I helped to improve their website and reorganize their image library. I felt like I was really making a difference and getting experience in my field which was the whole point of the internship. I’m very grateful that Intern Abroad HQ are making these internships affordable and helped me get the experience I needed. I would definitely consider this organization if I were to do some other internship in the future.” Hedvika Michnova - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in Greece).
Available in:
- Costa Rica
- Czech Republic
- Bali
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Peru
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Spain
- Zanzibar
Most affordable:
- South Africa from US$920
2 week introductory options:
- Ireland
- South Africa
- Spain
- Zanzibar
Ideal for those studying:
- Arts / Fine Arts
- Media
- Design
- Communications
- Marketing
- Commerce
- Business Management / Administration
- International Development / Relations
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Human Resources
- Education
- Journalism
- Linguistics
Summer South Africa Environmental Internships Abroad
Calling all adventurous spirits who are searching for a summer break internship that will combine professional development with the thrill of an African safari. All you need to participate is a positive work ethic, passion for conservation, and the readiness to get stuck in and make a real difference. Sound like you?
The opportunity to witness some of the world’s most diverse wildlife in their natural habitats, while contributing to protect their future, is for many, a dream come true. Options are split between marine and terrestrial conservation priorities, so whether you’re a budding scuba diver or wanting to stay on dry land, Intern Abroad HQ has the right summer internship for you. If you’re looking for more help to narrow down the best environmental conservation internship in South Africa, see our online guide which addresses the top questions.
For more insight, you can learn what to expect on an environmental internship in Dinokeng, South Africa. Dinokeng Game Reserve, located 45 kilometres north of Pretoria, is home to lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, elephant, cheetah and antelope, as well as other precious species such as cheetah, spotted hyena, caracal, and jackal.
Interns aid in the collection of data that keeps the reserve running on a long-term basis. Activities include daily game drives to observe the animals and the state of the reserve. Interns gain knowledge on bush ecology, animal behavior, navigation, and GPS / GIS techniques. These skills enable interns to assist with game transects, bird point counts, roadkill surveys, camera traps, and fence patrols. The research offers progressive insight into this pioneering reserve location and directly informs ecological management decisions.
“My time spent abroad on my placement in Dinokeng, South Africa was one of the most rewarding experiences I could have asked for. Everyone is kind and welcoming getting there, and all your questions beforehand will quickly be answered by Intern Abroad. Highly recommend, I will cherish my time from this summer forever.” Sophie Gartenstein - (Intern Abroad HQ intern in South Africa).
Available in:
- Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa
- Balule Game Reserve - Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Sodwana Bay Marine National Park, South Africa
Most affordable:
- Dinokeng Game Reserve from US$930
2 week introductory options:
- Dinokeng Game Reserve
- Sodwana Bay Marine National Park
- Balule Game Reserve - Kruger National Park
Ideal for those studying:
- Environmental Sciences / Studies
- Environmental Law / Policy
- Environmental Engineering
- Resource Management / Environmental Planning
- Geography
- Sustainability Studies
- Systems Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Veterinary Medicine
Summer Tourism Internships Abroad
There is no better way to reach your career goals in the Tourism and Hospitality industry than to combine it with a meaningful experience abroad. With flexible options to gain international professional opportunities, such as the 2-week Tourism Operations internship in Dublin, Ireland, there are internships available for every schedule. Placements are available year-round within Guatemala, Ireland, Peru and South Africa.
An example of an experience as a Tourism & Hospitality intern in Guatemala or Cusco, Peru, may include activities related to organization (i.e. tours, social activities), improving marketing and sales plans, reservations, website development and maintenance, SEO, social media activity, relationship building, and assisting with direct sales to clients. When you’re not working on your internship during the week, you’ll have the weekends to enjoy the stunning cultural, culinary and tourism attractions that the location has to offer!
Available in:
Most affordable:
- Guatemala from US$1070
2 week options:
- Ireland
Ideal for those studying:
- Tourism Management
- Hospitality Management
- Media / Communications
- Marketing
- Commerce
- Business Management / Administration
- International Development / Relations
- Information Technology / Computer Science
- Human Resources
Professional development focus
An international internship is supposed to challenge you, elevate your learning, enhance cultural awareness and facilitate the development of practical knowledge within your field. This experience is not complete without understanding your own goals, having intended learning objectives, and being able to critically reflect on your journey and it’s outcomes.
Intern Abroad HQ supports this essential process by providing an experiential learning curriculum, with weekly tasks for interns to complete during their time abroad. The tasks are linked to universally transferable employability skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, resilience and more.
These exercises add an extra layer of support during the internship abroad and provide the opportunity for you to articulate your most significant learnings. Upon completion of your internship, your reflection work acts as a great segway to sprucing up your resume, being able to ace your job interview, and having the potential to stand out from the crowd.